The gray-handed night monkey (Aotus griseimembra) is a small, nocturnal primate found in northern South America. They have a body length of 27-48 cm and a tail length of 26-39 cm, with adults weighing 0.7-1.2 kg. Their fur is grayish-brown with distinctive large eyes adapted for night vision.
Habitats & Distribution
The Gray-handed Night Monkey, also known as the Gray-handed Owl Monkey, is found in the rainforests and tropical forests of the Amazon Basin in South America. Its range includes parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Brazil. This nocturnal primate prefers dense, lowland forests and is often found in the canopy layer.
Behaviours & Reproduction
Gray-handed Night Monkeys are primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are social animals, often found in small family groups consisting of a monogamous pair and their offspring. Breeding occurs year-round, with a gestation period of about 120-130 days. Females usually give birth to one or two offspring, which are cared for by both parents. The young cling to their mother’s belly and are carried until they are old enough to navigate on their own.
Diet
Frugivorous and insectivorous; feeds on fruits, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates.
Colors
Gray, brown, white
Fun Facts
The Gray-handed Night Monkey is one of several species of night monkeys, also known as owl monkeys, which are unique for their nocturnal habits.
They have large eyes adapted for low-light vision, which helps them navigate and find food during the night.
Their diet includes a mix of fruits and insects, and they play a role in seed dispersal by eating and excreting fruit seeds.
Night monkeys are known for their vocalizations, which include a range of calls used for communication within the group.
They have a strong pair bond, with both parents participating in raising the young and maintaining the family group.
Despite their nocturnal lifestyle, they are highly social and rely on close family ties for protection and support.
Conservation Status & Efforts
The Gray-handed Night Monkey is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of the Amazon rainforest. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation, legal protections, and monitoring of populations to ensure their continued survival. Programs also focus on addressing the impacts of illegal logging and agricultural expansion on their forest habitat.
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